With broad sandy beaches and medium steady winds, Ecuador beaches are well suited for kitesurfing. There is plenty of room for rigging, and the water is uncrowded. Santa Marianita near Manta is recognized as the best kitesurfing spot in Ecuador, and is a popular haven with several schools on the beach. It gets winds up to 25 knots during the peak season from June – November, but there many other suitable beaches up and down the coast.
10-12 knots can be found almost anywhere June to December, but it gets more sporadic from January to May. Some kitesurf schools even teach you Spanish at the same time!
Kitesurfing SeasonAll Year Round There is enough wind for kitesurfing almost all year round, in Manta and many other locations. |
This is a fast growing sport in Ecuador, with a very active kitesurf group on WhatsApp
Kiter’s please don’t bring your kite to the Galapagos. Unfortunately it is not permitted to kitesurf anywhere in the Galapagos National Park. It is banned by the GNP authorities, as it is considered possibly dangerous or disruptive to the psychological disposition of marine birds. They don’t consider it a water sport, instead classify it as a form of parachuting or “aerial tourism”. Its a shame, but that’s the way it is. Please respect GNP rules. I know a lot of kiters like to try exotic places, but really, if kiting is all you can think of in the Galapagos you’re missing the big picture!
If you know anywhere to buy, rent or repair kitesurfing gear, please add it to our directory.
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We are a Canadain family that lives in cabarete dr, and are here in salinas visiting our mom. We own and operate a company that makes reusable diapers from up cycled kites, called kitebums. We are looking to hook up with other local riders while here. We have our own gear with us. We enjoy all riding style, but prefer beach break riding. It is Friday october 27, 2017 and will be heading over to playa ballenita around noon today. We rode San Pablo the other day and rather enjoyed the reception we received at the local restaurant and the beach break was a lot of fun.
Thanks, we are looking for great local kite spots
The Gray Family
Thank you Tom for your mini review.
I wander if it is possible at all to do a downwinder at that place?
Also what would be the best way to make it there – what is the nearest aiport?
Is there a food store nearby kite beach- do you need a vehicle to get around/
Thank you,
It is true, kitesurfing is amazing here in Ecudaor and especially in Santa Marianita. It is only 15 minutes south of Manta and the wind blows almost every day. 9m or 12m. Wide beach. I can highly recommend it.
It is very nice and relaxing living in the village, on top of the hill, overviewing everything. The locals are very friendly and the food is great.
I stayed in the hostel Punta la Barca which is run by a local and his Belgium wife. A fantastic place to stay for few weeks or months.